Alexander Lesser Paintings

Alexander Lesser was an American painter and educator known for his contributions to the Social Realism movement, which aimed to draw attention to the social issues and conditions of the time. Born on May 22, 1902, in New York City to Polish immigrant parents, Lesser grew up in an environment that fostered his interest in art from an early age.

As a young man, Lesser pursued his artistic education at the National Academy of Design and later at the Art Students League of New York, where he studied under prominent artists such as George Bridgman and Frank Vincent DuMond. His early work was influenced by the Ashcan School, a movement that depicted scenes of daily life in New York City with honesty and a sense of realism.

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Lesser's work reflected the struggles of the Great Depression and the rise of unionism. His paintings often depicted the working class, capturing the hardships and the dignity of labor. Like many artists of his time, he participated in the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which was part of the New Deal programs initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The WPA provided jobs for thousands of artists, and Lesser contributed by creating murals for public buildings, such as post offices and schools.

Lesser's style evolved over the years, but he remained committed to social issues. During the post-World War II era, he continued to explore the human condition in his art. His works from this period became more introspective and symbolic, though they still reflected his social consciousness.

In addition to his painting, Lesser was a respected teacher. He taught at the Art Students League and at Queens College, where he influenced a new generation of artists. His teaching, like his art, emphasized the importance of technical mastery as a foundation for meaningful expression.

Alexander Lesser passed away on February 13, 1982, in New York. His legacy is preserved in his artworks, which are part of the collections of various institutions including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art. His commitment to social commentary through art remains an inspiration for artists who seek to address contemporary issues.